Kribensis is a freshwater fish from the cichlid family, found in Nigeria and Cameroon.
It’s popular among aquarium enthusiasts and has several other names like common Krib, Red Krib, Super-red Krib, Rainbow Krib, Rainbow Cichlid, and Purple Cichlid.
This fish eats worms, crustaceans, insects, diatoms (algae), higher plants, and detritus (dead material).
In the Sombreiro River in Nigeria, it mainly feeds on diatoms, algae, higher plants, and detritus.
It’s advisable to keep this fish in pairs and in an aquarium size of at least 80 cm.
Kribensis Interesting Facts
- Kribensis fish are known for their vibrant colors, including greens, yellows, reds, and blues.
- They are cave-spawning fish that lay eggs on surfaces inside caves.
- Males are generally larger than females and have more colorful fins.
- Their diet consists of worms, crustaceans, insects, algae, plants, and detritus.
Kribensis Habitat
Kribensis originates from Eastern Benin, Southern Nigeria, and Western Cameroon in Africa.
This fish lives in brackish and freshwater environments near the bottom (demersal).
It prefers water with a pH range of 5.0 to 8.0 and a hardness (dH) range of 5 to 19. The ideal temperature is between 75°F to 77°F (24°C to 25°C).
Kribensis’ are tropical fish found around latitudes between 10°N to 4°N.
| Water Temperature: | 75°F to 77°F (24°C to 25°C) |
| Water pH: | 5.0 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5 to 19 dH |
Kribensis Physical Characteristics
Size: 4.3 inches (11.0 centimeters)
Kribensis grows up to 4.3 inches (11.0 centimeters) long.
It has an elongated and slightly compressed body. Its head makes up about 28% to 35% of its body length, and it has rows of single-pointed teeth.
This fish has a noticeable black stripe running along its side, extending over the tail fin. The base of the dorsal fin is typically dark grey or black.
The body shape is moderately slender, with males being about 15% to 25% larger than females.
In both genders, the tail fin is rounded. However, males may have an elongated upper lobe.
Males are usually darker green on top and lighter green below with a pinkish belly. They have various colors on their fins like violet, blue and red hues as well as olive-green at the base of pectoral fins.
Females also have horizontal stripes but in darker grey shades compared to males.
Kribensis Reproduction
Kribensis fish bond together during breeding.
They are cave-spawning fish that lay their eggs on a substrate (surface) inside a cave.
Kribensis Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Pelvicachromis |
| Scientific Name: | Pelvicachromis pulcher |
| Also Known As: | Kribensis, Krib, Red Krib, Super-red Krib, Rainbow Krib, Rainbow Cichlid, Purple Cichlid |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |